Back Agin!

I can't believe that it's been so long since I posted on this Blog! Over a year - how awful!

But not really - it's been a good year - plenty of learning - plenty of hard work and loads of fun.
It's been a year in which I have really begun to grips with what it means to be a Minister - have grown in confidence and I hope, humility.
Being a Minister isn't about 'Me' but is about serving God. Now, at present that means in the West Suffolk Group of URCs - a great bunch of people (oh, they all say that about their church members don't they!) - and with a great colleague.

During the year, one of my colleagues retired and so there are two of us now - me at 50% and Sam 100%. With hindsight, we rather foolishly decided that we'd try to cover as much of David's 'work' as possible, and that together with some redistribution of the churches within the group has meant that 2012 is proving to be a testing year.
For me it means that instead of one service a month in Bury St Edmunds and one else where, I can be anywhere in the group I can be anywhere - and am! This means that my Sunday 'commute' is averaging 65miles and I'm afraid to say it's getting me down.

The distances, early starts and feeling that I'm 'just a visiting preacher' mean that this year is tough and not fulfilling - certainly from the worship leading point of view.
Last year - 2011 - I focused on two churches and really got to know the congregations - so much better for me - and for the congregations.

This frustration together with an appalling case of bullying in one of the churches (two Elders involved - resulting in three resignations and the 'bullied' Elder being fearful of the 'Bully')- means that this final year of my time in the WSG isn't particularly enjoyable.

I'm really not enjoying all the travelling and if I never had to travel on the A14 again that would be fine by me!!
If I was able to, I'd leave today - that sounds strong - but it's how I feel right now.
However, I have a commitment - particularly to my colleague - and I will stay until my time is up at the end of August - albeit with a heavy heart.

The only thing keeping me going is the prospect of a new appointment and a new start in September - at Christchurch (URC/Methodist) - which will have its challenges - but is only 5-6 miles down the road!

Well, that's enough of my moans - the next Blog will be a little more upbeat!